MBTA releases service plans for North Shore shutdown

Monday

Jun 5, 2017 at 2:26 PMJun 5, 2017 at 2:26 PM

BOSTON – The MBTA has released its alternate weekday and weekend commuter rail service plans for the North Shore as a result of Beverly Drawbridge construction taking place on weekdays from July 17 through Aug. 13 and Positive Train Control (PTC) work taking place on weekends from July 8 through Sept. 30.

These alternate service plans for customers using the Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail lines will be presented by MBTA project and operational staff members at public meetings taking place on Monday, June 5, at 6:30 p.m. in Gloucester, on Tuesday, June 6, at 6 p.m. in Beverly, and on Thursday, June 8, at 6:30 p.m. in Newburyport.

Weekday Service Plan (July 17-Aug. 13)

The Beverly Drawbridge replacement project will shut down all train service north of Salem Station from July 17 through Aug. 13. Commuter Rail customers are encouraged to consider alternate transportation options for weekday commuting, including driving to an alternate station, using existing bus services in the Newburyport area, carpooling, taking the Salem Ferry, connecting to MBTA service via regional transit authorities, or working from home during this time.

Alternatively, the MBTA will provide free alternate weekday bus shuttle service. Three shuttle bus options are available to connect to commuter rail service at Salem Station:

1. Newburyport Shuttle stops at:

- Newburyport

- Ipswich

- Beverly Depot

- Salem

2. Rockport Shuttle stops at:

- Rockport

- Gloucester

- Manchester-by-the-Sea

- Beverly Depot

- Salem

3. Beverly-Salem rush hour shuttle stops at:

- Beverly Depot (congestion is expected)

- Salem (congestion is expected)

Parking will be free at all stations north of Beverly Depot Station. Customers should note that Zone 3 monthly passes are accepted on the entire Newburyport/Rockport Line in July and August (a customer who normally buys a Zone 4-8 pass should purchase a Zone 3 pass for these months).

Corporate pass customers should instruct their company pass administrator that they should be billed for a Zone 3 pass for July and August. Passengers who choose to purchase single-ride tickets during this construction will be charged no more than a Zone 3 fare when paying onboard or via mTicket.

Weekend Service Plan (July 8-Sept. 30)

The MBTA will install federally mandated PTC systems along the Newburyport/Rockport Line that improve safety by reducing train collisions and derailments. PTC installation will require shutting down the entire Newburyport/Rockport Line on weekends from July 8 through Sept. 30. During this time, weekend Newburyport/Rockport Line passengers are encouraged to consider alternate transportation options, including existing bus service to and from Newburyport, riding the Salem Ferry, traveling to Crane Beach and Essex via connecting service from Ipswich Station, or parking and riding at an alternate station.

Alternatively, the MBTA will provide shuttle bus service between North Station and select stations on the Newburyport/Rockport commuter rail lines in order to keep weekend customers moving. Two shuttle bus options are available:

1. Newburyport Shuttle stops at:

- Newburyport

- Ipswich

- Beverly Depot

- Salem

- Boston

2. Rockport Shuttle stops at:

- Rockport

- Gloucester

- Manchester-by-the-Sea

- Beverly Depot

- Salem

- Boston

Parking will be free at all stations north of Beverly Depot Station. Weekend shuttle service is provided for a special $10 round-trip fee. Up to two children, 11 years old and under, ride free with each paying adult. Zone 3 or higher passes will be accepted at all stops with weekend fares sold at North Station in Boston.

For more information on Beverly Drawbridge construction, PTC installation work, and alternate service information, including all special shuttle bus schedules, visit www.mbta.com.